Page 59 of Break Out

Steel’s jaw shifted. “At this time, no. Me claiming her puts a visible mark on her—”

“Glad you don’t have your head up your ass.”

“Dad,” I scoffed.

Steel put his arm around my shoulders without losing eye contact with Dad. “But I’m taking her to Augusta on the weekends.”

Dad’s eyes flared for a moment, then he focused on me. “And you’re cool with that?”

Part of me was cool with whatever Steel would give me, but not only did that reveal too much, it might have been my lust talking.

“For now, I am.”

Dad turned back to Steel. “Do you intend to bail Ghost and the others out of jail?”

Steel shook his head. “That’s not your business, Volt. But… out of respect for you and your daughter, I’ll tell you that I’m not. Their patches haven’t been stripped publicly, but notices went out that they’re no longer members of the club.”

“If they were granted parole tomorrow, you wouldn’t welcome them back in an effort to build up the ranks?” Dad asked.

Steel shook his head. “No. Hell, every one of them has been inside for fifteen years, so they’d all owe well over nine grand in back dues.”

“You don’t waive that for time served?”

“In this case, no.”

Dad’s eyes cut to mine. “You still moving into that apartment on the westside?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

His eyes slid to Steel and back to me. “You’re sure you’re not staying at their fuckin’ clubhouse?”

My eyes widened. “I’m sure, Dad.”

Steel gave my shoulders a squeeze. “I’ll be staying with her, so I can help with the move.”

Dad’s jaw clenched. “What the hell changed your mind so fast?”

Steel raised his chin and ran his hand down his neck. “This isn’t your business either, but Simone pointed out that she isn’t like Jordan’s mom. I still think she can do better than me, but I’ll be damned if I let her figure this shit out alone.”

“She wouldn’t be on her own,” Dad bit out.

Steel gave a single nod. “Maybe not, but now I’m gonna be there, too.”

Dad stared at me for a beat. “I love you. Wanted you to try civilian life. Are you sure—”

I grabbed his hand. “Dad, I love everything about MC life and you know it.”

He sighed and stood. “All right, I’ll trust you on that, sweetheart.”

I smiled. “Thanks, Dad. I love you, too.”

His eyes traveled down to my dress and he shook his head. “If you love me, when you get home, do me a favor. Burn that fuckin’ dress.”

“Bye, Dad!”

Once he was out of earshot, Steel nudged my bicep with his. “It’s official. I’m framing your dress when you get home. Then I’m gonna buy you fifty more of ‘em.”

I burst with laughter.

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